Franklin E. Weddle

77, of Van Wert, died at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 1, 2006, at Convoy Care Center in Convoy.

He was born January 15, 1929, in Rockford, the son of the late Howard and Lucille (Houser) Cook Weddle. On December 3, 1960, in Van Wert, he married Betty Jane (Severn) Speakman Weddle, who survives in Van Wert.

Mr. Weddle retired from Continental Can Company (Greif Bros.) after 40 years of service and had also driven a van for the Van Wert County Council on Aging for 15 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served during the Korean Conflict. He graduated from Van Wert High School in 1947. Mr. Weddle was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803 in Van Wert and had also been a member and past commander of American Legion Post 178, also in Van Wert, and an advisor to the Sons of the American Legion. He also belonged to Voiture 154, 40 et 8 of the Legion. He was an avid bowler for many years and enjoyed sports and fishing with his grandchildren. He was a friend to all.

In addition to his wife, survivors include two sons, Dan L. Speakman of Lima and Michael (Trudy) Speakman of St. Marys; a daughter, Deborah (Thomas) Rain of St. Marys; one brother, Ronald C. (Myra) Weddle of Rockford; two stepsisters, Marcia (Cook) Higgins and Lynne Cook, both of Union City, Ind.; 13 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 5, at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert, with the Rev. Paul W. Miller officiating. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery near Middle Point, where the combined honors unit of Legion Post 178 and VFW Post 5803 will perform military graveside rites.

Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, August 4, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Van Wert County Council on Aging.